What does 'service by publication' mean in this custody case?

It means you are being notified via newspaper because personal service likely could not be completed.

When is my deadline to respond to this notice?

You must file a defense no later than June 29, 2026, forty days after May 19, 2026.

What happens if I don't file an answer by June 29, 2026?

The plaintiff will ask the court for the custody they seek and the court may decide without your participation.

Court Notice — 502 College St., Jacksonville, NC (22CVD002268-660)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Child custody

Affects:DefendantsHeirsGeneral Public

A parent has filed a district court action seeking custody of a minor child and service is being made by publication; the defendant must respond by June 29, 2026 or the plaintiff will ask the court for the requested custody order.

Key Takeaways

Custody action filed seeking custody of a minor child
Defendant must respond by June 29, 2026
Service made by publication starting May 19, 2026
Failure to respond lets plaintiff seek relief without your answer

Deadline · Response Deadline

June 29, 2026

Pro users tracking court notice like this were alerted the second it filed. Never miss a deadline

Published

May 19, 2026 · today

What to do next

1
File a written defense by the deadline
File your response with Onslow District Court by June 29, 2026 to contest the custody claim.
2
Contact the plaintiff's attorney
Call Joseph F. Peterson at (910) 347-3344 for information or to arrange service, listed address 502 College St., Jacksonville, NC.
3
Get legal help
Consult a family law attorney in Onslow County immediately to protect parental rights before June 29, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'service by publication' mean in this custody case?: It means you are being notified via newspaper because personal service likely could not be completed.
When is my deadline to respond to this notice?: You must file a defense no later than June 29, 2026, forty days after May 19, 2026.
What happens if I don't file an answer by June 29, 2026?: The plaintiff will ask the court for the custody they seek and the court may decide without your participation.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Service by publication: Notifying a party through newspaper publication when their address is unknown or personal service failed.
Pleading: A formal written statement filed with the court that explains a party's claims or defenses.

Full Notice Text

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF
PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COURT OF ONSLOW
IN THE GENERAL
COURT OF JUSTICE
DISTRICT COURT DIVISION
FILE NO.: 22CVD002268-660
 
KATHLEEN TOUDLE, Plaintiff,
vs.
ALAINA TOUDLE, MICHAEL LANIER, & JOHN DOE,
Defendants
 
Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Plaintiff is seeking custody of the Defendant's minor child.
 
You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than the 29th of June, 2026, which is forty (40) days following May 19, 2026, the first day of this Publication. Upon your failure to file a pleading by the above date, party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.
 
This is the 19th day of May, 2026.
 
Joseph F. Peterson
JOSEPH F. PETERSON
Attorney for Plaintiff
502 College St.
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 347- 3344
NC Bar: 50931
3ts: 5/19, 26; 6/2, 2026